BOE examines requests and reductions for 2019-20 budget

WEBUTUCK — With the adoption of next year’s budget coming up, the Webutuck Board of Education (BOE) dedicated part of its meeting on Monday, April 8, to reviewing the latest version of the school budget and its proposed changes for the 2019-20 school year.

Presenting the latest version of the budget, Webutuck Superintendent of Schools Ray Castellani stressed that the 2019-20 budget “has been the most difficult in my years as superintendent.” He said the uncertainty regarding the cost of properties in Amenia has had an impact on the district’s ability to strategically plan out the next few years. The Silo Ridge luxury housing development will bring in millions, the question is how much can the district count on.

“We were told and strategically worked with the town of Amenia’s tax assessor last year that in the 2019-20 school budget year,” said Castellani, “it would be a good year for the communities because Silo Ridge properties would be coming into the town of Amenia, therefore reducing the burden of the tax rates on current taxpayers.”

To date, he said he’s presented “the best budget they can offer the community right now,” though he noted there is still room for revision.

For the current school year, Castellani reminded the BOE that the adopted budget came to a total of $22,703,351 with a tax levy of $13,893,572. The superintendent said the tax levy will likely be 5.94%, which on a $100,000 property would mean an annual increase of $73.

For the proposed 2019-20 school budget, the total budget amount is $23,679,780 with a $976,428 rollover from last year’s budget. 

Totaling $262,691, Castellani reported that district salaries are on par with the county. Meanwhile, the budget amount for debt services and inter-fund transfers is $262,484 while employment benefits totals $225,393; special education costs are $193,762; and Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) costs are $111,178. Next year’s allowable tax cap is 2.22%, or $308,646, with an allowable levy total of $14,202,218.

Subtracting $6,624,179 in state aid and other costs as well as $2,100,000 from the applied fund balance from the 2019-20 rollover budget, the total tax levy is projected at $14,955,601 or 7.64%.

In terms of reducing district programs, Castellani said the BOE considered what program efficiencies or reductions would work best in order to get a more affordable tax levy for taxpayers without decimating programs.

“In tough budget times, we have to make decisions,” he said. “Somewhere along the line, we have to come up with savings.”

Among the proposed reductions discussed, the photography course was suggested since it takes up two free periods in the schedule; currently there are only three students enrolled. Eliminating photography would save $41,000. It was also proposed that the district reduce a teacher aide position, saving $16,500, as well as a teaching assistant position that would save $21,000. 

Other reductions that were brought up for discussion included eliminating the school resource officer (SRO) to save $102,000 and the Mandarin language program to save $16,000. If those programs are eliminated, Castellani said the tax levy would be reduced to  $14,759,101.

As far as additional program needs are concerned, Castellani shared hopes of continuing the music program as well as the athletic program, which would cost $25,000 each to run. Regarding the athletic program, he said the program has been stagnant in terms of updating equipment and uniforms. Yet it was noted that adding the $50,000 in additional program needs would bring the tax levy up to $14,809,101. However, if the district subtracted $90,000 from its reserves fund, the tax levy could be reduced to $14,719,101. Webutuck Business Administrator Cynthia Hawthorne said that the board could afford the $90,000 in reserves to reduce the tax levy.

While the district waits to learn more about the value of properties in Amenia, Castellani said, “Once we as a board come up with a final number and Amenia comes up with a final number for property assessed values, we will then be able to deliver to the community a full-fledged campaign.”

“We’re definitely listening to what the community wants us to do,” said BOE President Kristen Panzer.

During public comment, Millerton resident DeLora Brooks argued that as far as program reductions are concerned, “there’s nothing left to cut. I think we’re at the end of the road.”

Returning to the discussion about eliminating the district’s SRO, Brooks said that safety in schools is paramount. About eliminating the Mandarin program, she described the potential job opportunities that could arise for students learning Mandarin.

Although the BOE originally discussed postponing the budget’s adoption until Monday, April 29, there was some discussion about adopting the budget on Tuesday, April 23, after this paper went to press and during the board meeting to vote on the BOCES budget. The public will have an opportunity to vote for the budget on Tuesday, May 21, from noon to 9 p.m. in the Webutuck High School gymnasium.